Decorative wall inset

ABSTRACT

A decorative weather-tight inset to position against a wall for providing aesthetics, covering holes or irregular surfaces, and creating storage space. The inset includes a flange around the perimeter to elevate the inset above the wall. The flange and the wall form a waterproof seal through the use of fasteners and caulk. The flange can bend or be prefabricated to contour flush against the wall. A decorative surface can protrude beyond the inset and include indicia. The decorative surface can be one piece or multiple pieces, and include a variety of shapes, graphics, and text. A space between an opposite mounting surface of the inset and the wall can be filled with insulation for preventing thermal transfer, and for enhancing the water proof seal between the flange and the wall. Items can also be stored or displayed in the space if the decorative surface detaches, and/or is transparent.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to construction materials. More particularly, one or more embodiments of the invention relate to a decorative inset for sided walls.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. It is believed that some individuals may find plain exterior walls on buildings unattractive. Furthermore, one may expect that adding decorative elements such as, but not limited to, onlays or medallions to siding including, without limitation, lap siding, shingles, or other siding may be difficult to accomplish in a weatherproof way.

The following is an example of a specific aspect in the prior art that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. Currently, decorative items for exterior walls exist such as, but not limited to, wall medallions, onlays, exterior metal decorations that may be hung for example, without limitation, by a hook, exterior trim work, exterior metal siding systems, etc. These current solutions are often difficult to install, particularly on siding.

By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that onlays and wall medallions typically are not simple shapes; rather, onlays and medallions are often complex shapes. These complex shapes generally make it difficult for the surrounding siding to closely surround the onlays and medallions. Furthermore onlays typically do not comprise a raised panel and generally do not stand out from siding when inset into the siding. By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that trim also typically requires a flat plane for mounting. Wall vents, e.g. Without limitation, gable vents, are typically not weather tight and are generally applied only to gables. Decorations attached with a hook are often not weather-tight and may fall or be torn from the wall in wind or other types of weather. Other decorations may require a gasket to be weather tight. Yet other siding accessories generally cannot be installed in a standalone fashion.

In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an exemplary decorative inset being installed on an exterior wall, in accordance with the prior art;

FIGS. 2A through 2C illustrate an exemplary flanged decorative wall siding inset, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a diagrammatic front view. FIG. 2B is a front perspective view, and FIG. 2C is a rear perspective view;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate exemplary decorative siding insets installed on an exterior wall, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A is a diagrammatic front view of the wall, and FIG. 3B is a diagrammatic front view of an inset; and

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an exemplary flanged decorative wall siding inset, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A is a side perspective view of an upper portion of the inset, and FIG. 4B is a side perspective view of a lower portion of the inset.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention are best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.

Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom.

References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.

It is to be understood that any exact measurements/dimensions or particular construction materials indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation details.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a decorative inset. The decorative, weather proof inset rests against a wall to provide aesthetics, cover holes or irregular surfaces, and provide storage space. The inset may act as a waterproof decorative element for lap, shingle and other types of siding. In one embodiment, the inset comprises a flanged hollow panel with a raised or flat design. Some embodiments are of appropriate size to fit in lap or shingle siding and of appropriate material thickness for durability. In some embodiments, the flange is large enough to be water tight, fit behind the siding and comprises nail holes.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of an exemplary decorative insert 100 being installed on an exterior wall, in accordance with the prior art. FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an exemplary decorative insert 101 being installed on an exterior wall 103. The decorative insert 101 often may be nailed, screwed or glued directly to exterior wall 103. Another typical method for hanging decorative insert 101 may be to drill through siding of exterior wall 103 and insert hanging means such as, but not limited to, a nail, a screw, or a mounting device secured by a screw onto which decorative insert 101 may be hung. In the present example, siding 105 installed on exterior wall 103 comprises a flat surface so that decorative insert 101 can lie flat against exterior wall 103. The decorative insert are typically not installed directly on lap siding, which has an irregular surface. This irregular surface may cause gaps on the sides of the decorative insert, which may be unattractive and prone to leaks. Furthermore, the hole crated in the siding for the hanging means may also lessen the weather-tight properties of the decorative insert, as there is wall penetration protected basically by sealant. Alternatively, a decorative insert may be made to match the angles of the lap siding, which one may expect to be labor intensive and unpractical.

FIGS. 2A through 2C illustrate an exemplary flanged decorative wall siding inset, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a diagrammatic front view. FIG. 2B is a front perspective view, and FIG. 2C is a rear perspective view. In the present embodiment the inset comprises a flange 201 that joins the perimeter of the panel. In some embodiments, the flange forms a perimeter around, and elevates around a raised panel 203. In the present embodiment, flange 201 typically acts as the portion of the inset that rests against the house or building when the inset is installed. Flange 201 comprises at least one aperture 207 for installation and typically fits under the siding to hide the nails or screws used to install the inset. However, in other embodiments, the flange does not include at least one aperture, and secures against the wall through other means, including, without limitation, an adhesive, slots in the wall, and sliding behind sidings n the wall. In one alternative embodiment, the flange may be sufficiently flexible to contour a curved wall. The flange may also be prefabricated at a sufficient angle of curvature to contour flush against the curved wall.

In some embodiments, the height of raised panel 203 may vary depending on various different factors including, without limitation, the height of the siding, user preference, aesthetics, etc. Raised panel 203 comprises a raised decorative surface 205. In some embodiments an indicia may position on the raised panel. The indicia may include, without limitation, a flat design, a protruding design, a textured design, a logo, and an image. In some embodiments, virtually any type of design may be used on the raised panels for example, without limitation, graphic designs, animal shapes, floral designs, patterns, textures, etc. Some alternate embodiments may be implemented without a design.

In one alternative embodiment, the decorative surface may include, without limitation, a transparent material, including, without limitation, a glass, a resin, a polyethylene, a plastic, and a clear filament. The transparent material may detach from the decorative surface for creating an aperture. In some embodiments, at least one item may be positioned inside the decorative insert after the decorative surface has been detached.

In some embodiments, the decorative insert is generally intended for exterior use, and durability of material is a factor to consider. However, in other embodiments, the decorative insert may be utilized on other parts of a building, including, without limitation, an internal wall, a roof, and a ceiling. In the present embodiment, the inset is made of a single, seamless piece of 20 oz copper sheet metal (0.0270″) for its exterior weathering durability and attractive looks. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the inset may be made of various other materials that are sufficient for outdoor use including, without limitation, other metals, resins, plastics, wood, etc. Some alternate embodiments may be implemented for indoor use with less durable materials. In the present embodiment, raised panel 203 is a rectangle, which aids in ease of installation. Other embodiments may be made in a multiplicity of suitable shapes such as, but not limited to, squares, circles, ovals, triangles, etc. Referring to FIG. 2C in the present embodiment, the void in the reverse of the inset created by raised panel 203 may be filled with spray foam insulation which is approximately R-6 per inch flush with flange 201. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that various different types of insulation may be used in some alternate embodiments such as, but not limited to, rigid foam, foam beads, fiberglass insulation, plastic insulation, natural fiber insulation, etc. Moreover, some alternate embodiments may be implemented without insulation. In some embodiments, the insulation may prevent thermal transfer through the wall. The insulation may also form a water proof seal between the wall and the flange.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate exemplary decorative siding insets 300 installed on an exterior wall 301, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3A is a diagrammatic front view of wall 301, and FIG. 3B is a diagrammatic front view of an inset 300. In typical use of the present embodiment, insets 300 provide decorative elements to a plain stretch of wall 301. To install insets 300, a user typically begins by positioning insets 300 in the desired location and leveling insets 300. The user then nails or screws the flanges of insets 300 through the nail holes on the flanges with exterior grade fasteners to exterior wall 301 on which housewrap is typically affixed. Alternatively the user may use adhesive to attach insets 300 to wall 301. Once in place, the user may caulk the top, and sides and bottom of the flange, if desired as per the siding manufacturer's specifications. The user may also caulk the nail holes and affix a flashing tape as desired. In some practical embodiment an adhesive may be used in combination with fasteners to attach insets 300 to wall 301. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings will recognize that caulking the outer perimeter of the panel is one of several different processes to seal joints or seams between the flange and the wall. However, due to expansion and contraction of the wall material, caulking may not be necessary in some embodiments. The user may then install siding 303 around insets 300, covering the flanges to within a ⅛″ gap or siding manufacturer's specifications 305 of the raised panels. If nails or screws are used to attach insets 300 to wall 301, the close proximity of siding 303 to the raised panel, generally enables these attachment means to be concealed under siding 303, which may enhance the attractiveness and weather-tightness of the inset. The user may then caulk between the raised panel and siding 303 on all sides with exterior grade sealant. In some applications, the user may opt not to apply sealant to gap 305 between the raised panel and siding 303.

In the present embodiment, siding 303 is lap siding comprising horizontal boards that slightly overlap or siding panels that are formed to replicate the shape of overlapping horizontal boards. In some implementations, insets according to an embodiment of the present invention may be used with a multiplicity of suitable types of siding including, without limitation, shingles, vertical panels, smooth siding, textured siding, etc. Furthermore, some embodiments may be used with siding made from a variety of different materials such as, but not limited to, vinyl, wood, metal, brick, stone, stucco, etc. Some embodiments may be implemented as a component of a wall siding system for residential or commercial construction.

If used correctly, decorative insert 300 may be more weather tight, are typically easier to install, and may be installed on a greater range of locations than many current exterior decorative items. The use of a flange and a simple raised shape in many embodiments of the present invention allows for easy installation, typically enables the inset to protrude from the siding for greater visibility, covers the fasteners and generally enables the inset to be caulked for enhanced weather proofing. It is believed that conventional surface mount medallions generally cannot easily be mounted on non-flat surfaces such as, but not limited to, lap or shingle siding. Insets according to some embodiments of the present invention typically may be used with non-flat surfaces by being inset into the siding with a flange.

In an alternate embodiment, the at least one flange may position behind the siding in the wall, creating a more secure engagement with the wall. The use of the flange to flash behind the siding may enable fasteners (e.g., nails or screws) to be concealed behind the siding and weather tight and generally eliminates the need for a gasket, which may be less weather tight than a flange. In some embodiments, the decorative inset may appear to be a unitary component within the wall.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an exemplary flanged decorative wall siding inset, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A is a side perspective view of an upper portion of the inset, and FIG. 4B is a side perspective view of a lower portion of the inset. In the present embodiment, the inset comprises a flange 401 surrounding a raised panel 403 with a raised design 405 and nail holes 407 in flange 401. Referring to FIG. 1B, raised panel 403 comprises a fluid guidance portion 409 on the bottom. The fluid guidance portion may be efficacious in preventing a fluid from engaging the wall. In some embodiments, the fluid guidance portion may include, without limitation, a drip bead, a rail, a funnel, a frame, and a molding. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that the fluid guidance portion may provide an alternate surface for a fluid, including, without limitation, water and ice, to engage, rather than the siding. The fluid may flow along the fluid guidance portion, dripping off the extreme ends, rather than onto the siding. In this manner, the fluid may not engage the siding. This may reduce damage to the siding, including, without limitation, staining, wood rot, decay, and paint damage. Referring to FIG. 1A, raised panel also comprises an angled top 411 to generally ensure that water runs off of raised panel 403. Standing water can cause some metals to prematurely corrode.

Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that some alternate embodiments may be implemented in various different sizes. Furthermore, some alternate embodiments may be implemented as interlocking panels that enable multiple insets to be connected to create a larger design or to cover a large surfaces. Other alternate embodiments may comprise a multiplicity of suitable additional features such as, but not limited to, vents, transparent portions, integrated hooks for additional decorations, etc.

All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of providing a decorative siding inset according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. For example, the particular implementation of the panel may vary depending upon the particular type of surface on which the panel is to be used. The panels described in the foregoing were directed to wall mounted implementations; however, similar techniques are to provide panels to be mounted on various different types of surfaces including, without limitation, fences, signs, etc. Non-wall mounted implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims. 

1. A decorative insert comprising: at least one flange, said at least one flange being configured to engage a wall, said at least one flange comprising at least one aperture; and a panel, said panel being joined with said at least one flange, said panel comprising a generally flat mounting surface being operable to engage a top surface of said at least one flange, said panel further comprising a generally flat decorative surface in opposition to said generally flat mounting surface, said decorative surface being operable to receive and retain indicia or other suitable decorative elements.
 2. The decorative insert of claim 1, wherein said at least one flange rests flush against an outer perimeter of said panel.
 3. The decorative insert of claim 1, wherein said at least one flange extends past said outer perimeter of said panel.
 4. The decorative insert of claim 1, wherein said at least one flange elevates said panel beyond said wall.
 5. The decorative insert of claim 1, wherein said at least one flange and said wall comprise a mating configuration.
 6. The decorative insert of claim 1, wherein said at least one flange is operable to form a waterproof seal with said wall.
 7. The decorative insert of claim 1, wherein said at least one flange is operable to receive a caulk for forming a waterproof seal with said wall.
 8. The decorative insert of claim 1, wherein said at least one aperture is disposed to receive at least one fastener.
 9. The decorative insert of claim 1, in which said at least one fastener comprises a screw.
 10. The decorative insert of claim 1, wherein said panel is configured to elevate above said at least one flange.
 11. The decorative insert of claim 1, wherein said panel is configured at angle sufficient for a fluid to pass over said panel.
 12. The decorative insert of claim 1, in which said panel comprises a fluid guidance portion configured to join adjacently with an outer perimeter of said panel.
 13. The decorative insert of claim 1, wherein said fluid guidance portion comprises a drip bead.
 14. The decorative insert of claim 1, wherein said fluid guidance portion is operable to prevent a fluid from engaging said wall.
 15. The decorative insert of claim 1, further comprising indicia or other suitable decorative elements, wherein said indicia or other suitable decorative elements is/are configured to elevate above said panel.
 16. The decorative insert of claim 1, in which said flange and said panel is operable to receive insulation between said mounting surface and said wall.
 17. The decorative insert of claim 1, in which said wall comprises at least one exterior siding on a building.
 18. (canceled)
 19. (canceled)
 20. A decorative insert comprising: at least one flange, said at least one flange being configured to engage a wall, said at least one flange being operable to form a waterproof seal with said wall, said at least one flange comprising at least one aperture for receiving a fastener; and a panel, said panel being removably joined with said at least one flange, said panel being configured to elevate beyond said wall, said panel comprising a generally flat mounting surface being configured to engage a top surface of said at least one flange, said panel further comprising a generally flat decorative surface in opposition to said generally flat mounting surface, said decorative surface comprising an indicia, said indicia being configured to elevate above said panel, said panel further comprising a fluid guidance portion, said fluid guidance portion being configured to join adjacently with an outer perimeter of said panel, said fluid guidance portion being operable to prevent a fluid from engaging said wall. 